Family businesses play a major part in the UK economy and should be recognised for their hard work.

That's the message from Bristol law firm Veale Wasbrough Vizards, which is sponsoring the family business category in the 2010 Evening Post Business Awards.

The fourth annual awards will be unveiled at a gala ceremony on June 17 in Bristol.

Veale Wasbrough Vizards has approximately 300 employees and 47 partners and operates from two offices in central Bristol and Fetter Lane in London.

Nick Smith, partner and head of the family business team at VWV said: "Family-owned businesses form the backbone of the UK economy.

"Statistics show that family businesses account for 65 per cent or three million of the total 4.6 million private sector enterprises in the UK economy spanning sectors including agriculture, construction, manufacturing and services. The awards recognise the contribution of Bristol family-owned businesses to this success story.

"Working closely with other specialist advisers, VWV advises family owned business clients on a broad range of issues affecting them including succession and ownership matters, family business governance and dispute resolution.

"For award entries, in addition to the business performance and potential we want to hear the story of the family behind the business."

The awards are open to all firms in the Bristol 'BS' postcode area.

The categories include a section for large companies with a turnover of more than £5m and one for smaller firms whose turnover is less than £5m.

There are also categories for Family Business of the Year, Innovator of the Year, Entrepreneur Social Responsibility, Lifetime Achievement and the overall Business of the Year honour.

● The Evening Post Business Awards – main sponsor the South West Regional Development Agency – are free to enter.

You can do so online by visiting our website, www.thisisbristol.co.uk, and following the 'Business Awards' link.

Or we can send you a hard copy of the entry form if you email Siobhan Walsh at s.walsh@bepp.co.uk.

The closing date for entries is May 27.